Malls of Dubai

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Hello once again friends and family. Sorry for such a long gap between publishing’s, but now that I am on Christmas Break, I should be able to update what life is like here in the UAE Dubai. For this entry, I am looking to explain what life is like here at the malls of UAE. Of course, this place is full of malls, and I have only been to a few, but there should be enough entertaining info here to share.

Well, how can I begin to describe these malls? First of all, they are quite grand. Many of the structures have amazing displays. As time goes along, I'll add more pictures to this particular entry. Besides the architecture, some of the malls have amazing features. Perhaps the most famous that I got a chance to enjoy is the Emirates mall. That's right, this is the mall with the indoor ski lift. It was an interesting experience to ski in the desert, and I enjoyed every 90 seconds the run had to offer. Ha, yea, it takes about 1-2 minutes to do the entire run, but considering there is no line, you can go up and down the hill all day long, which I did for 2 hours straight. It felt great to be cold again! I'm proud to say I did not fall once either, making all Coloradians proud!

Another mall that I visit a lot since it is right next door to my school is Festival City mall. The mall has a lot of great food, and plenty of clothing stores. It's funny, most of the mall is full of clothes, shoes, jewelry and other things such as this. Whereas in the US, the malls have these stores, but other types of stores, such as department stores. Department stores don't really exist out here. So far as I can gather, the malls are more of a place of where people can meet, hang out and have a meal. Beyond that, as I walk around, there isn't a lot of shopping done. On the other hand, I have heard there is a shopping festival during the Christmas time, when everything goes on sale. Perhaps people wait until this time then really shop.

As for the other aspects of the malls, there is a lot of security walking around. Everyone is very nice, and I feel very safe. I usually get asked 2-3 times a visit if I have any questions. The malls are kept very clean and updated. Overall, I am actually quite impressed at how nice the malls are. I think though to become a millionaire, all I need to do is run a Target at any of these malls. All of my Western friends and myself reminisce about the wonderful products and prices of Target. There would literally be a riot of Westerners to purchase deodorant, food, conditioner and other simple products that simply aren't here yet.

Beyond that, enjoy the pics, and I'll add more when I can of the malls here.

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Photos

View behind Festival mall
This view shows the skyline of Dubai, running beside the canal outside of the mall. Great place to relax!

Another great view
Here is the world's tallest building in a sunset view. The views from the mall are pretty impressive!

Christmas spirit
Here it is, one of the many Christmas trees of Dubai. Quite nice of an Islamic country to put these up for its guests!

The winter desert
Behind me is the indoor ski lift, very surreal

On the slope
Inisde enjoying the run, well, I think the 43rd to be exact!

Better view
This shows more of the ski lift.

Jorge and I
Behind us is an amazing glass model of even more buildings in store for Dubai. This place has some lofty dreams!

Rose petal pond
Although this is actually in a hotel, I had to throw in this pic. It's a pool topped with rose petals, ROSE PETALS. You wouldn't believe what is was around here.

Comments

[Jason Bryant]

Shopping in the Malls
Nate, The malls look pretty impressive! Beyond their looks though, do you enjoy shopping in the malls or the local 'market' shops better? The gifts you sent my family were very neat and it appears they came from a more local market. It would be fascinating to shop in that type of atmosphere. Love, Jason

[joannie]

Malls in Dubai
hey! You may want to add the 'World's Largest Shopping Mall' --- the Dubai Mall! :-)